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Multiple Choice
How are chemical formulas of binary ionic compounds generally written?
A
The elements are listed alphabetically, with no regard to charge balance.
B
The anion is written first, followed by the cation, with subscripts based on atomic masses.
C
The cation is written first, followed by the anion, with subscripts indicating the smallest whole-number ratio that balances the charges.
D
The cation and anion are both written with a subscript of one, regardless of their charges.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that binary ionic compounds consist of two ions: a cation (positively charged) and an anion (negatively charged).
Recognize that the chemical formula is written by placing the cation first, followed by the anion.
Determine the charges on the cation and anion, which come from their positions on the periodic table or their known ionic charges.
Balance the total positive and negative charges by using subscripts that represent the smallest whole-number ratio of ions needed to achieve electrical neutrality.
Write the formula with the cation symbol first, followed by the anion symbol, each with their respective subscripts indicating the ratio that balances the charges.